Wait, Am I Saving the World? | Conversations on Childhood
Conversations for the people that care about creating happier, healthier childhoods.
Wait, Am I Saving the World? is a podcast about exploring childhood, wellbeing, and the everyday ways adults can support healthier, happier childhoods.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, director, social worker, caregiver, or child-focused professional, this show offers honest conversations, reflection, and practical ideas to help you navigate childhood and the grown-up work of caring for kids without losing yourself in the process.
Hosted by Carrie Speed, social worker and founder of PlayMotion Kids, a movement, music, and mindfulness enrichment program for early childhood centers, each episode explores what it truly takes to show up for kids today.
We explore topics like behavior, resilience, emotional well-being, trauma-informed care, sensory needs, play-based learning, mindfulness, movement, whole-child wellness, and the everyday science of connection.
Carrie also certifies and licenses instructors who want to bring movement, mindfulness, and whole-child learning to their own communities.
Because when more adults are supported, equipped, and encouraged, the impact for kids grows.
If you care about kids, you belong here.
Together, we’re exploring what it truly takes to support the next generation—one conversation at a time.
Wait, Am I Saving the World? | Conversations on Childhood
EP 14: Raising Readers in a Screen-Filled World with Literacy Expert Stephanie Affinito
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What if reading wasn’t just about academics but about health, emotional regulation, connection, and joy?
In this episode, Carrie sits down with Stephanie Affinito, literacy teacher educator, author of Leading Literate Lives, and host of the KidLit Love podcast, to talk about how books truly shape childhood.
Stephanie shares why reading helps children feel seen and understood, how strong reading identities are formed, and what families can do to support reluctant readers without pressure or power struggles. You’ll also learn how journaling and notebooking can deepen a child’s emotional processing, why reading is an underrated wellness tool, and how adults can reconnect with reading for themselves, even in busy seasons of life.
This conversation is full of practical insight, gentle mindset shifts, and permission to make reading feel inviting instead of forced.
In this episode, we cover:
- Why books help children make sense of their world
- How reading builds empathy, resilience, and emotional health
- What to do when a child says “I hate reading”
- Simple ways to create meaningful reading rituals at home
- How journaling supports both literacy and nervous-system regulation
- The role of audiobooks — and when they’re most helpful
- What gives Stephanie hope for the future of literacy
⏱️ Episode Chapters
00:00 – The Power of Reading in Childhood
03:27 – Books as Portals to Understanding
06:49 – Building Strong Reading Identities
09:34 – Encouraging Reluctant Readers
12:26 – Creating a Reading Ritual at Home
15:37 – Common Missteps in Promoting Reading
18:40 – The Benefits of Journaling with Reading
21:42 – Reconnecting Adults with Reading
24:34 – The Role of Audiobooks
27:34 – Challenges and Hopes for Literacy
30:46 – Connecting with Stephanie Affinito
🔗 Connect with Stephanie
- Website: https://www.alitlife.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit
- Podcast: KidLit Love
- Book: Leading Literate Lives
✨ Special Project:
Stephanie also offers 365 Book Postcards — a free, handwritten book recommendation sent by mail based on your (or your child’s) reading interests. It’s a fun way to connect readers with the books they need most.
🌱 Create Impact in Your Own Community
If you’re inspired by this conversation and feel called to support children through movement, mindfulness, and whole-child wellness, you can learn more about becoming a PlayMotion Kids Certified Instructor.
👉 Visit https://www.playmotionkids.com
to explore training opportunities and bring joyful, purpose-driven movement to kids in your community.
FB & IG: playmotionkids
Website: www.playmotionkids.com and www.playmotionkids.com/businessowners
IG: better.childhood.project